The description of this game makes it sound very much like Spellforce, another RTS/RPG hybrid that I very much enjoyed. Is it a similar game and if so, how does it compare (as good as, better than, wishes it were Spelforce, etc.)?

This game is essentially a hack and slash, with some rpg and strategy elements. Its alot of fun!

I love this game pretty mutch because it really gives me the Warcraft 3 feeling. But I think I like this a little more.

The strategy in this game is different to mane RTS:

First resources are more limited and much more a point to be fought over than in many (esp modern ones). This makes things much more dynamic and also makes your units far more valuable and much more painful when lost.

In addition unlike most RTS games you can't build every unit in the army. The choices you have on limited building make for a great amount of re-playability and variations of tactics.

Thus whilst it looks really warcraft III like in appearance its playstyle is very different and refreshing in a RTS game. It feels like it has a few little rough edges and the fact that it has 3 races but only 2 story mission modes is a little bit of a shame, but all round its a solid fun game.

SpellForce is far superior; there is no contest.

I've completed SpellForce 1 and 2 with all of the expansions.